Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Scan

Imaging (Radiology)
Procedures

What is the test?

CAT utilizes
X-ray and a state-of-the-art computer to create specific images of the body's
muscles, bones, and organs. These images are highly detailed cross sections of
the tissue being examined.

How do I
prepare?

Please plan to arrive
15 minutes before your scheduled exam. For an abdominal scan, please arrive one
hour before the exam to allow time for you to take the orange-flavored drink
containing contrast. If your abdomen is being examined, consume only clear
liquids (water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, clear fruit juices, bouillon, and
gelatin) after 8:00 p.m. on the evening before your CAT scan. For a head or
chest CAT scan, don't eat or drink for four hours ahead of time unless you are
told differently. If you are on Glucophage (metformin), please consult your doctor regarding stopping
and then resuming your medication following the exam. Since materials such as
metal and plastic can affect the accuracy of X-rays, it's best to leave your
jewelry at home.

What can I
expect during the procedure?

CAT scans are
safe and painless. They take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on
the number of studies ordered. You simply lie on a table that slides into the scanner.
The scanner is shaped like a donut and makes clinking sounds as it moves around
your body. For some studies, the radiologist or radiology nurse will inject an
iodine-based contrast into a vein. Alternatively, you may be asked to swallow
an orange-flavored drink containing contrast, in order to highlight your
digestive tract. You may be asked to hold your breath for a short period of
time. During the scan, you can see and talk with the technologists who are
standing just behind a transparent screen.

After
the test?

If you have had
contrast administered, you may feel slightly nauseous or notice an unusual
taste in your mouth. We recommend that you drink plenty of caffeine-free
fluids. Unless otherwise notified, you may return to your regular diet and
resume normal activities.

How and when
will I get my test results?

Typically,
within 48 hours a written report of your test results will be sent to your
referring physician, who will review them with you. Additional time (3 to 5
days) may be required if we are comparing these test results to previous
findings from another hospital or health-care provider.

Plan
to arrive 15 minutes early for registration. These CAT scans require that you
drink a contrast and have an IV to highlight the area being examined. You will
wait 1 hour from the time you drink your oral contrast to the time you are
scanned. The prep for these exams (Abdomen, Pelvis, Three-phase Kidney, and
Adrenal) is similar.

●Nothing to eat 4 hours before the exam.

●You
may have up to 16 ounces of clear liquids: water, tea, juice, or broth, but no
coffee.

●When you arrive for your imaging study, you will consume 32 ounces of contrast beverage within 60 minutes.

●You
will have an IV started prior to the procedure.

●When having the Adrenal CAT scan, you will have the examination without
contrast first. This may be followed by a second scan with IV contrast, if the
radiologist determines this is necessary. Testing time is about 90 minutes.

●Brain
CAT (with IV contrast)

Testing
time is about 30 minutes.

●Chest CAT (with IV contrast)

Testing time
is about 40 minutes.

●Neck CAT Soft Tissue (with IV contrast)

Testing
time is about 40 minutes.

●Renal CAT (first without contrast, possibly followed
with contrast)

Testing
time is about 40 minutes.

●CAT Angiography – Brain ( CTA-Brain )

Testing
time is about 40 minutes.

●CAT Angiography – Leg (CTA- Pelvic w/leg runoff )

Testing
time is about 40 minutes.

●CAT Angiography – Neck (CTA -Neck )

Testing
time is about 40 minutes.

●CAT Angiography – Abd (CTA-Abd )

Testing
time is about 40 minutes.

Preparation:

●Have nothing to eat for four hours before the exam.

●You
may have up to 16 ounces of clear liquid liquids: water, tea, juice, or broth,
but no coffee.

●Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early for registration.

●The
exams require an IV. No oral contrast will be given.

About our
Imaging Services

Cayuga Medical
Center has a commitment to and reputation for staying abreast of changing
technology and our imaging equipment is state-of-the-art. Our range of services
is comprehensive and we offer all imaging modalities found in major medical
centers. Radiologists are on site at all three of our locations, which also
distinguishes the level of service we provide.

Imaging Services
is staffed by five board-certified radiologists, many of whom are
subspecialists in areas such as neuroradiology, abdominal CT, and
interventional procedures. Assisting them are experienced radiologic
technologists, many of whom have completed advanced training and are certified
in specialty modalities.